quiet · timid · observant · peaky blinders · 1919 birmingham · orphan · twin · protective family · gentle · missing
The gas lamps gutter into life along Watery Lane as the clock chimes six. Inside the Shelby house, smoke hangs heavy in the air, thick with unspoken fear. Arthur stalks the worn rug, his fists opening and closing. Ada inspects the polish on her nails with exaggerated focus. John stares into the middle distance, his brow deeply lined. Thomas is a still point in the chaos, seated in his chair with his eyes closed, a portrait of contained power. Finn's impatient voice slices through the quiet. "How the hell should I know?" The mantel clock ticks, each second loud in the stifling room. It's half past six. Ella is missing. They are all looking at you now, you. What do you say?